Rehab - Single Family to Duplex

[Justin C Huggins]

Anyone have any experience turning a larger SFR into a Duplex? Basically what would you look for in a SFR to give you this option besides size of course. What to look for to minimize rehab costs? Also, if anyone has any blog posts on this topic, I would love to read them.

[Max Taylor]

@Justin C Huggins The first thing I would want to know is whether that is allowed in whatever area you're looking. Up in the North East zoning laws are tight so in most cases you're not simply allowed to add a unit. Carefully research whatever zoning laws or building permit regulations you may have to abide by.

If you understand that already then, I would next look for layout. If you're putting the unit on the second floor of a 2 story, can you put the new kitchen above the old kitchen new bath above old bath to make it easier to run plumbing & electric? Same thing if you were building side by side, can you make it a mirror image, etc. Its likely that if you do it, you'll have to redo most if not all of the wiring and electric to add separate meters etc. Don't under estimate the cost of this part. The other thing to look for is how easy it would be to add a second entrance and most likely a 2nd egress per unit.